Lake Ashi Tokyo
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, with iconic views of Mt. Fuji and volcanic landscapes in Hakone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for Fuji views
Lake Ashi Tokyo
Best Time
Best chance for Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, with iconic views of Mt. Fuji and volcanic landscapes in Hakone.
"The Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi is one of the most romantic pirate-themed rides in the world."
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! :ticket:
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise
Lake Ashi
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a unique pirate-themed ship, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Fuji Views
Various viewpoints around Hakone
Catch breathtaking glimpses of the iconic Mount Fuji, especially on clear mornings from viewpoints like the Hakone Ropeway.
Hakone Ropeway
Owakudani Valley
Ascend over the volcanic Owakudani Valley, experiencing sulfurous hot springs and panoramic vistas.
Hakone Shrine
Lake Ashi shoreline
Visit the serene Hakone Shrine with its iconic red torii gate standing majestically in Lake Ashi.
Planning Your Visit
Hakone Free Pass is Your Best Friend
Timing is Key for Fuji Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! :ticket:
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! :cloud:
🚢 Ride the Pirate Ship
A fun and scenic way to see Lake Ashi. Great photo ops!
🚶♀️ Explore Owakudani
Experience the volcanic activity via the Hakone Ropeway. :volcano:
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! :ticket:
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! :cloud:
🚢 Ride the Pirate Ship
A fun and scenic way to see Lake Ashi. Great photo ops!
🚶♀️ Explore Owakudani
Experience the volcanic activity via the Hakone Ropeway. :volcano:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring different modes of transport. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Hakone Digital Pass
Requires one phone per person, not ideal for families with young kids. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Ashi and the surrounding Hakone area for its stunning natural beauty, iconic views of Mount Fuji, and the unique pirate ship cruise. The Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended for seamless exploration. Some find the weather unpredictable for Fuji sightings, and the digital pass can be inconvenient for families.
"Lake Ashi in Hakone is a scenic crater lake surrounded by mountains, often seen with Mount Fuji in the background. The area offers boat cruises, lakeside trails, and hot springs. A peaceful destination ideal for day trips or weekend escapes from Tokyo."
Oreste Gaspari
"The boat ride was over all too quick. It's clear and calm waters make the boats motor totally out of place. I'd gladly hoist up a pirate sail..."
Chak Hong
"We came to Lake Ashi and took the cruise on what looked like a pirate ship. This ship has a lift that made it easy to reach the open deck. It was spring and the wind made it feel very cold on the ship. The lake is pleasant and we could see the Tori of Peace from the deck."
S L Chong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train from Tokyo to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Bus towards Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. The Hakone Free Pass covers this journey. +1
Yes, Lake Ashi and the wider Hakone area can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, though an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience. +1
The Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended as it covers various modes of transport including buses, trains, the Hakone Ropeway, and the pirate ship cruise.
The Romance Car (Odakyu limited express train) takes you to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, you'll need to use local buses or trains to reach Lake Ashi.
Some hotels in Hakone offer shuttle bus services from Odawara Station, which can be a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Lake Ashi itself is free. However, you'll need tickets or a pass for activities like the pirate ship cruise and the Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Free Pass covers these.
You can purchase the Hakone Free Pass online (e.g., Klook), at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku, or at Odawara Station. +1
The pirate ship cruise operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Hakone Navi website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Hakone Shrine is free to enter and explore. The iconic torii gate in the water is a popular spot for photos.
The Hakone Digital Pass is an electronic version of the Hakone Free Pass, but it requires one phone per person and may not be suitable for families with children.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a scenic pirate ship cruise, visit the Hakone Shrine, hike along the lake's edge, or simply relax and take in the views.
The Hakone Ropeway, particularly from Owakudani, and the shores of Lake Ashi offer good chances to see Mount Fuji, weather permitting.
Yes, there are hiking trails around Lake Ashi, offering beautiful natural scenery. Some visitors rent e-bikes to explore the trails.
Owakudani is an active volcanic valley with hot springs and sulfurous fumes. The Hakone Ropeway provides access and stunning views.
Yes, the pirate ship cruise and the scenic beauty make it enjoyable for families. However, the digital pass might be inconvenient for families with young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hakone Shrine's torii gate in the water is a must-capture shot. The pirate ship itself and panoramic views from the Hakone Ropeway are also popular.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be magical, especially with reflections on the lake.
Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from Lake Ashi, offering a stunning backdrop for your photos.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and around sensitive natural areas like Lake Ashi to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the torii gate. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant Mount Fuji. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass for easy access to all the transport. However, be aware that the Hakone Digital Pass requires one phone per person, which might be inconvenient for families. Opting for a physical pass or ensuring everyone has a smartphone is key. The area offers plenty of open spaces and natural beauty for kids to explore, making it a refreshing break from the city.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the chance to photograph Mount Fuji from various vantage points, such as the Hakone Ropeway or the lake's edge. On clear days, the combination of Fuji, the lake, and the surrounding mountains creates breathtaking compositions. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for landscapes and telephoto lenses for distant Fuji shots.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
For those seeking more challenging treks with rewarding views, consider hikes like Mount Kintoki or Myojingatake, which are known for their excellent Mount Fuji vistas (weather permitting). These offer a great way to combine physical activity with the stunning scenery of the Hakone region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hakone Loop: A Scenic Adventure
Many travelers find the Hakone Free Pass indispensable for navigating the loop efficiently. It covers all the necessary transportation, making it a cost-effective and convenient option. The order of the loop can be adjusted based on personal preference and starting point, but a common route includes visiting Owakudani for its volcanic landscape, enjoying the views from the ropeway, and then sailing across Lake Ashi.
While the loop can be completed in a single day, some visitors recommend an overnight stay to fully appreciate the onsen (hot springs) and the tranquil atmosphere of Hakone. The experience is highly visual, with opportunities for stunning photography at every turn, from the steaming vents of Owakudani to the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Chasing Mount Fuji: Tips for the Best Views
Several points along the Hakone Loop provide excellent vantage points. The Hakone Ropeway, particularly as you approach or depart from Owakudani, offers sweeping vistas that can include Mount Fuji on a clear day. The shores of Lake Ashi, especially near the Hakone Shrine's torii gate, also present a classic postcard view with Fuji in the background. Some dedicated hikers also recommend trails like Mount Kintoki for more challenging but rewarding panoramic views.
It's important to manage expectations; Fuji can be shy and often hides behind clouds. Even if you don't get a perfect view, the natural beauty of Hakone itself is well worth the visit. Consider checking weather forecasts and webcams before your trip to maximize your chances of a Fuji sighting.
The Hakone Pirate Ship: More Than Just a Cruise
Sailing across Lake Ashi provides fantastic views of the Hakone mountains, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. The cruise typically connects key points along the lake, such as Moto-Hakone Port and Togendai, making it an integral part of the Hakone Loop. The journey itself is a relaxing interlude, allowing you to appreciate the serene atmosphere of the lake.
While the pirate theme is a novelty, the cruise's primary value lies in its scenic perspective of the region. It offers a different angle for photography and a chance to rest your feet while still enjoying the sights. The experience is generally well-regarded, with many travelers finding it a delightful and picturesque part of their Hakone adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit